UNLEASHED:A worker assembles a performance dragon (HANG XINGWEI)

Foreigners visiting the Forbidden City in China's capital of Beijing will find dragon imagery almost everywhere: from pillars that support roofs to carvings on stairs. Emperors' thrones, historically, have been called "dragon thrones," and their formal robes referred to as "dragon robes." Unsurprisingly, the garments are embroidered with golden dragons.

This is because the dragon is the symbol of Chinese emperors. Legends tell of the immortalization of Huangdi, the country's first emperor, who became a dragon as he ascended to Heaven after his reign ended. Other legends detail how emperors may be born with birthmarks in the shape of a dragon.

The Chinese dragon is also a symbol of rain and water. In Chinese mythology and folklore, dragons are believed to control water movements (including rain), and many Chinese villages built temples to worship their local Dragon King in centuries past. Whenever there were periods of drought or flooding, it was customary for villagers to offer sacrifices and conduct rites to appease the Dragon King, who could both trigger and halt the flow of water. His main responsibilities were to bring life-giving rains, ward off evil spirits, avoid disasters and bring good luck to people.

This year's Zodiac Stamp release heralds the beginning of the Year of the Dragon, which falls on January 23, 2012. Chinese tradition dictates that every lunar year corresponds with a particular animal. The practice runs according to a 12-year cycle, starting with a mouse and progressing from ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and finally, a pig. What sets dragons apart from the 11 other signs is that it considered more than just an animal – it is a deity.

People born in the Year of the Dragon are believed to have many positive personality traits. They are typically energetic, decisive and optimistic, but also intelligent and ambitious. Many couples aim to have their babies born under this sign. Even parents with children born in the Year of Snake (which follows the Year of the Dragon) prefer to call their offspring small dragons.

Today, dragons are still honored and celebrated in Chinese art, architecture and customs. Dragon dances, for example, are important events, especially during the country's Spring Festival. Originally performed as a ceremonial offering to please the Dragon King, dragon dances have gradually become a popular ritual in all kinds of festivals. Such is the power of this Chinese symbol.

Characteristics of People Born in the Year of the Dragon

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> People born in the Year of the Dragon are healthy, energetic and excitable, but they can also be short-tempered and stubborn. With their honesty, sensitivity and bravery, they inspire confidence and trust in others. Dragons are the most idiosyncratic of eastern zodiac signs. They neither borrow money nor make flowery pronouncements, but they tend to be too kind-hearted. This can result in their being manipulated by others. They are compatible with Rats, Snakes, Monkeys and Roosters.

(Source: www.c-c-c.org)